Redtail Black Variatus Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Common Name: Redtail Black Platy
Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
Origin: Central America – native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras (captive-bred varieties are widely available)
Temperament: Peaceful, social, and hardy
Tank Size: 10+ gallons (larger preferred for groups)
Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (10–28 dGH)

The Redtail Black Platy is a bold and colorful livebearer, sporting a deep black body accented with a vibrant red tail—an eye-catching contrast that instantly brightens any community tank. These small, active fish are incredibly beginner-friendly, thanks to their peaceful nature and easy care requirements.

Redtail Black Platys thrive in planted aquariums and love to swim in groups. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry, making them popular among hobbyists interested in breeding or watching natural behaviors unfold.

Fun Facts:

• Platys are prolific breeders! A single female can give birth to dozens of fry every month.

• Their vivid color combinations are the result of generations of selective breeding.

• They're closely related to swordtails but lack the elongated tail extension.

• Great for mosquito control in outdoor ponds or tubs during warmer months!

Diet:
Omnivores. Enjoy a varied diet of high-quality flake food, spirulina, blanched veggies (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional frozen treats like daphnia or brine shrimp.

Compatibility:
Excellent community fish. Gets along well with guppies, mollies, corydoras, tetras, danios, and other peaceful species.

Add a splash of contrast and charm to your freshwater tank with the Redtail Black Platy—a hardy, beautiful choice for aquarists of all experience levels!